Uses for beta blockers

Doctors prescribe beta blockers to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in a variety of conditions, such as:

High blood pressure

Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

Heart failure

Chest pain (angina)

Heart attacks

Glaucoma

Migraines

Generalized anxiety disorder

Hyperthyroidism

Certain types of tremors

Beta blockers aren't usually prescribed until other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, haven't worked effectively. Your doctor may prescribe beta blockers as one of several medications to lower your blood pressure, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics or calcium channel blockers.

Beta blockers may not work as effectively for blacks as for people of other races, especially when taken without other blood pressure medications.

Side effects and cautions

Side effects may occur in people taking beta blockers. However, many people who take beta blockers won't have any side effects.

Common side effects of beta blockers include:

Fatigue

Cold hands

Headache

Upset stomach

Constipation

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Less common side effects include:

Shortness of breath

Trouble sleeping

Loss of sex drive

Depression

Beta blockers generally aren't used in people with asthma because of concerns that the medication may trigger severe asthma attacks. In people who have diabetes, beta blockers may block signs of low blood sugar, such as rapid heartbeat. It's important to monitor your blood sugar on a regular basis.

Beta blockers can also affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, causing a slight increase in triglycerides and a modest decrease in high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol. These changes often are temporary. You shouldn't abruptly stop taking a beta blocker because doing so could increase your risk of a heart attack or other heart problems.

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